CH-53K completes initial operational testing

The CH-53K King Stallion has completed its initial operational testing, known as OT-B1. It was the first test with an all Marine crew, and included a
27,000 pound sling load hover, moving 12,000 pounds over 110 nm in the sling. Ground events included embarkation/debarkation of combat rigged troops,
internal and external cargo rigging, transporting fuel bladders, and rigging for litters in the medevac mission.

I have ridden in the CH53 a few times and have always been impressed with their technology. This is a really reliable bird even though a good officer
and friend was killed piloting one. I'm glad to see the series continues with the 53K and I hope it can be developed for commercial use as well. My
best and flag,

This content community relies on user-generated content from our member contributors. The opinions of our members are not those of site ownership who maintains strict editorial agnosticism and simply provides a collaborative venue for free expression.